Membership

Do I have to be a member to receive legal or financial support?

No. You do not need to be a member to get legal aid. We do hope people join when they can, since membership is what lets us keep supporting the movement.

I applied to become a member. Did it go through?

Thanks for applying. Everyone who filled in the form gets an email within two weeks. If two weeks pass and you have heard nothing, write to us at info@3ezwa.de and we will sort it out.

What is the difference between an active and a supportive membership?

A supportive member backs 3ezwa financially through the monthly fee. An active member also takes part in one of our working groups (for instance, the translation group). If you choose the active option, we will reach out to you.

Can a group or organisation become a member?

Yes. Groups can join as collective members and we would be glad to have you. Write to us at info@3ezwa.de.

Can I become a member from abroad?

Yes, you can.

Can I register without giving my address?

We do need an address, but it stays with us. Your data is encrypted, we hold it to high security standards and we never pass it on. If you would rather not use your own address, a c/o address where post can reach you works fine.

Donations/ Payment

Can I make a one-time (cash) donation?

Yes. Our IBAN is on the website under “Donate,” and you can hand over cash donations during counselling hours (see “How to find us”). We do lean toward membership, since steady support is what builds the lasting network the movement needs.

Can I pay my membership fees in cash?

Yes. Reach out to set this up! 

Can I donate an amount every month but not become a member?

This is also possible by exception. Either set up a ‘dauerauftrag’ directly our reach out to us.

Legal support

What kinds of legal issues do you cover? Does that include Aufenthaltsrecht or Medienrecht?

We support criminal cases and residency law procedures, including Aufenthaltsrecht, resulting from solidarity with Palestine. We cannot take on defamation or media law cases for now, since our funds have to go to criminal and migration cases from Gaza first. If you are unsure whether your case fits, reach out anyway and we will talk it through.

Do you only help in Berlin, or across Germany?

We have counselling locations across Germany. See “How to find us” for the full list. If you are not in or near Berlin, Munich or Leipzig, we can arrange online counselling. Just email us through the address on the website. Alternatively, you can also reach our team on Signal: legal3ezwa.48

How do I request legal support? What does it look like?

Come to one of our counselling sessions, wherever is closest to you. Bring as much relevant paperwork as you can. That might include:

• the first letter from the police or prosecutor, such as a statement form or a summons
• a penalty order (Strafbefehl) or indictment
• an invoice from your lawyer
• a court ruling, fine or notice of dismissal
• a few sentences describing your case, with your contact details

If you are not near Berlin, Munich or Leipzig, contact us online (email or signal) and we will set up online counselling.

Can you help if I already have a lawyer but cannot afford them?

We do not cover down payments, but we can get in touch with your lawyer and try to work something out.

Can you help with cases from before 3ezwa existed?

Yes.

Can you support people who are not German citizens or residents?

Yes, of course.

Is the counselling confidential?

Yes. What you tell us in counselling stays between us.

Can you recommend a lawyer even if I do not need financial help?

Yes. Come to a counselling session and we will be glad to point you to someone.

Financial support

How does financial support work? Do you pay lawyers directly or reimburse me?

In most cases we pay you directly at the end of the trial or procedure. The details get worked out during counselling.

Is there a cap on how much one person can receive?

No. We aim to cover at least half of any fines, lawyers’ fees and court costs, and we will help you apply through Rote Hilfe for the rest.

Do I have to be a member to get financial support?

No, our financial support is not tied to membership.

What if my costs are more than 3ezwa can cover?

We will help you apply to other organisations that can step in, such as Rote Hilfe.

Safety and privacy

Is my data safe if I contact you?

Yes. We know the climate around Palestine solidarity in Germany makes this a real worry. Your data is encrypted, kept to high security standards and never shared.

Can I reach out anonymously before deciding whether to ask for support?

Yes. You can contact us or come to counselling without committing to anything, and without giving more than you are comfortable with.

Do you share case information with other organisations?

No. We do not pass your case details to anyone without your consent.

If you received a Strafbefehl

I got a Strafbefehl. What do I do and how long do I have to respond?

Two weeks from the date on the envelope you need to respond. This matters: your lawyer needs to file the appeal (Einspruch) within those two weeks, or the order becomes final and stands as a conviction. If there is no time to reach a lawyer, use Rote Hilfe’s Einspruch generator: https://clara.rote-hilfe.de/EinspruchFormular/ 

Our short video walks through it too: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHslPiuIyV9/

About 3ezwa

Who runs 3ezwa?

3ezwa is run entirely by volunteers. Our board, elected from volunteers, oversees 13 working groups that are working amazingly hard to make this organisation work. If you want to get involved, reach out.

How is 3ezwa funded?

Through membership fees, donations and various funding bodies. We share the full picture with members at our yearly meetings. 

Growing the network

How can I help bring 3ezwa to my city?

We are always trying to reach more people. If you want to start a chapter where you live, become a member and email us at info@3ezwa.de.

Can other organizations work with 3ezwa?

Yes, gladly. Join as a collective member and reach out at info@3ezwa.de.